favorite bass combo w/di <$300

[tc4b]

I can't believe I've sunk to the level of the "What's the best ___ for under $___" thread, but I DID do a search first, so don't kill me too bad.

I'm looking for a modest ($300, give or take 50) bass combo amp strictly for recording. Because it's for recording, I would definitely like a line out included... or do they all have that anyway? Thanks for your help. Of course I'll try out a bunch of them at GC, but I would still like your opinions, especially if they include any models not sold at GC. Thanks!!

 

[notCardio]

Yeah, I'd like to know too.

bump.

 

[tc4b]

bump......

 

[IronFlippy]

If it's strictly for recording, then why not just get something like a POD or Sansamp?

 

[ermghoti]

I got my SWR Basic Black on the used market for that kind of money. Awesome sound, line out, I think it even has an XLR out. Marginal volume for a rock band, though. I'll try it with an extension cab next.

 

[pohaku]

If it is just for recording, you might consider just getting a decent DI (sansamp already mentioned). A GT Ditto is a great tube bass DI unit for @$150 used.

 

[tc4b]

If it's strictly for recording, then why not just get something like a POD or Sansamp?

I like the sound of a mic'ed bass cab a lot. I want the di as well for flexibility.

 

[notCardio]

I like the sound of a mic'ed bass cab a lot. I want the di as well for flexibility.

Yeah. Nothing wrong with having more options. Plus, there's something about hearing it coming out of an amp when you're playing that just puts you in a different mood than when you hear it over headphones. Even if you aren't micing the cab and just going with the direct out, hearing the amp as you're doing it gives you more of a live feel, which can affect your performance.

I'm with you, tc4b. Sometimes you want it, sometimes you don't, but you always want to have the option.

I've been considering a V-Amp or Pod, one of those cheap Crate power blocks, and a little bass cab or two. But I do like the thought of a tilt-back, like a little Ampeg. I would've assumed that one of those would've been fairly high quality, but it seems like I've been hearing negative buzz on Ampegs of late.

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

 

[AGCurry]

I like the Fender Bassman 60. Not a loud amp, but nice sound, and the features you desire. And it tilts back.

 

[whyseye]

I like the Fender Bassman 60. Not a loud amp, but nice sound, and the features you desire. And it tilts back.

My Fender Frontman 15B has a headphone output, and another output labeled "ext speaker - 8(ohm) 15w"....
....would that output be usable for DI, or would it need to pass through another system first?

 

[notCardio]

My Fender Frontman 15B has a headphone output, and another output labeled "ext speaker - 8(ohm) 15w"....
....would that output be usable for DI, or would it need to pass through another system first?

No, that would not be a DI output. Only hook an 8 ohm speaker or speaker cabinet to that! (well, you can use a 16 ohm, but NOT A 4 OHM!)

 

[whyseye]

No, that would not be a DI output. Only hook an 8 ohm speaker or speaker cabinet to that! (well, you can use a 16 ohm, but NOT A 4 OHM!)

That's what I thought....glad I didn't try it!!
Thanks...

 

[tc4b]

But I do like the thought of a tilt-back, like a little Ampeg. I would've assumed that one of those would've been fairly high quality, but it seems like I've been hearing negative buzz on Ampegs of late.

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

I'm curious too. I've been eyeing this one up:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ampeg-BA112-50W-Single-12-Combo?sku=481776

A lot of brands have similar deals, smallish combos w/ di. Any preferences?

I've also been checking out the sansamp, and I'm leaning that way because it's cheaper. Oh well, going for test next week, I shouldn't drive myself nuts until I've actually HEARD some gear fo myself.

 

[Nate74]

I've been wanting to check out the new Carvin BR12. I usually think Carvin stuff is just so-so as a poor man's SWR, but I'm liking the idea of a $340 combo more and more.

Of course if you're not in So Cal, then you have to pay for shipping too...

It does have a DI, right on the front pannel though.

 

[IronFlippy]

I like the sound of a mic'ed bass cab a lot. I want the di as well for flexibility.

Good point. You could also use a Y splitter to go to both the amp and a DI box. Just a thought, since line outs usually don't have the greatest sound.

 

[tc4b]

Good point. You could also use a Y splitter to go to both the amp and a DI box. Just a thought, since line outs usually don't have the greatest sound.

Interesting, and i would help me justify cheaping out on the sansamp. BTW, my RNC makes my bass sound like a freaking tuba (yes, I shortened the attack and all that jazz, just didn't care for it). What's everyone's fav compressor for bass?

 

[Nick_Black]

I just use a DI box (DB-01) and feed the 1/4" jack to the Ibanez bass amp (which also has a DI output, but has never really worked properly for me) and the xlr goes to the mixer/pc

 

[mharr552000]

Watch out for that Fender Bassman. I've got an older(2 year) model. The XLR line out has a switch. One way it routes directly from the input, the other way it routes after the master volume. So if you want it with the EQ and compressor you need to crank it up. Kind of sucks at 2 am with children sleeping 15 feet away.

 

[notCardio]

Watch out for that Fender Bassman. I've got an older(2 year) model. The XLR line out has a switch. One way it routes directly from the input, the other way it routes after the master volume. So if you want it with the EQ and compressor you need to crank it up. Kind of sucks at 2 am with children sleeping 15 feet away.

So you're saying that to get the EQ and compressor, you have to use it after the master volume? That kind of sucks, but good to know. Thanks.

Hey, I just noticed you're a fellow Indianapudlian! Seems like I find more every day almost.

Which side of town, and what do you play?

(Sorry to hijack the thread, BTW)